# non

/ˈnɑn/ (US) · /nˈɒn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/non
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. not

adverb · CEFR B1 · Informal

used to mean 'not' before an adjective, though it is usually written as a prefix with a hyphen.

For teachers: used as a non-standard or informal negator of a following adjective; standard usage typically requires the prefix 'non-'.

- The manager said the price was non negotiable.
- In casual correspondence, he often used 'non' as a standalone adverb to negate adjectives, though his formal reports strictly followed standard hyphenation rules.

Usage: Usually functions as a prefix rather than a standalone adverb in formal writing.

### 2. a non-Muslim

noun · CEFR C1 · Dialect · Slang

a person who is not a Muslim.

For teachers: a colloquial term used to refer to a citizen who does not practice Islam.

- The restaurant serves both Muslims and nons.
- The local policy was designed to ensure that nons were afforded the same protections as the majority of the population during the festival.

Teaching tip: This usage is specific to certain regions, particularly Malaysia and Singapore; it may be considered insensitive or overly reductive in other English-speaking contexts.

## Examples

- I'm non too happy about this.
- He was non too pleased when he found out his flight was delayed by four hours.
- The local residents were non too impressed by the developer's vague promises of community investment, sensing that the project would only benefit wealthy outsiders.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.